SAFEChrome Dark Brochure

Chromium Plating Solution for Decorative Applications A product of

SafeChrome.com

SAFE Chrome® Dark is a high through-put electroplating chemistry utilizing our novel and robust water-based Ionic Liquid and Metal Salts.

This combination deposits a lustrous and adherent chromium metal coating over electrolytic nickel or electroless nickel (NiP alloy) deposits for plastics, steel, brass, and aluminum substrates designed for the replacement of hexavalent chromium deposits.

SAFE Chrome® Dark is designed for use in decorative plating applications to enhance the part or component performance for many industries and applications.

These include plumbing, sanitary, household fixtures, appliances, hardware, furniture, connectors, and many others where hazardous hexavalent chromium can be eliminated.

Benefits of transitioning from Hexavalent Chromium Chemistries to SAFE Chrome Dark include:

®

• Higher plating speeds and improved cathode efficiency of Hex processes for higher throughput

PROVIDES

• Superior covering power across a full range of current plating densities providing up to 1.0 micron deposit thickness if required • High protective oxide layer, similar to Hex

ELIMINATES REDUCES

• Part burning issues associated with current interruption in Hex processes • Lead Anodes • The need for PFOA and PFOS additives for controlling Hex mists

• Regulatory burden and waste handling • Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for plating

Meets sustainability requirements for:  REACH,  RoHS,  WEEE,  CARB,  EPA, &  OSHA

Advantages Over Existing Trivalent Chromium Chemistries: Lower Carbon in deposit alloy, maintaining color stability over time Eliminates the need for numerous additives, complexing agents, and chelation chemistry No post dip required

Up to 0.5 microns thickness, provides a uniform bright deposit that closely matches Hex deposit color.

Easily deposits over Electroless Nickel (NiP alloys) providing greater application development and improved corrosion performance for complex shape geometries

Anodes do not require membranes Easier to operate, process provides a self-regulating pH system, similar to a Hex process

Easily deposits over brass substrates, eliminating the need for Nickel in certain applications

Eliminates need for costly ion exchange resins and equipment required for most aqueous trivalent solutions on the market

Eliminates creation of hexavalent chromium by-product often experienced with aqueous trivalent chemistry systems

Provides a wider range of operational parameters versus existing Trivalent systems on the market

Higher cathode efficiencies and higher plating throughput equates to lower cost

PERFORMANCE DATA SAFE Chrome® Dark Meets requirements of ASTM B456, AMS 2438, and AMS 2460 class 1 or class 2, dependent on specific operating conditions*

Deposit Performance Characteristic

SAFE Chrome® Dark

Hexavalent

Reference

Thickness Range Capability per operating conditions

0.2 – 250 microns

0.2 – 250 microns

ASTM B487, B 499, B504, B568, or B748

Deposit Density (g/cm3)

6.9 – 7.2

6.9 – 7.2

N/A

Wear Resistance range as deposited. (abrasion) per AMS 2438 3.4.4.1

1 – 3 mg/1000 cycles

1 – 3 mg/1000 cycles

Taber Wear Index: ASTM D4060

Deposit Hardness Range

800 – 1100 HV100

600 – 1100 HV100

ASTM B578 / E384

Adhesion

Pass

Pass

ASTM B571 for Cr

Porosity - without Ni underlayer

Pass

Pass

Ferroxyl

AMS 2460 3.4.4, AMS 2438 3.4.5, or ASTM B650 7.4

B117:

B117: 24 – 144 hrs

ASTM B117

(depending on specific operating conditions and requirements)

Porosity a) Electroless NiP sublayer <5um b) Electroless NiP sublayer >12um c) Electrolytic Nickel sublayer

50 – 144 hrs

ASTM B117

a) >168 hrs b) up to 1000 hrs c) pass

a) >168 hrs b) up to 1000 hrs c) pass

CASS Corrosion Resistance with Ni underlayer

24 - 48 hrs rating 9 >72 hrs rating 7 or less

24 - 48 hrs rating 9 >72hrs rating 7 or less

CASS ASTM B 368 ASTM B 537

Cathode Efficiency comparative operating conditions

20 – 36%

9 – 26%

N/A

**Color Decorative applications (with 0.2 up to 0.5 microns thickness & electrolytic nickel underlayer system)

L* ranging 60 to 75 b* blue hue low negative number

L* >82 white bright b* blue hue medium negative number

CIE L*a*b* colorimetry

**Color Decorative applications (with 0.2 up to 0.5 microns thickness and > 7 microns bright EN (NiP) underlayer system)

L* ranging 55 to 70 b* blue hue high negative number

L* <81 white bright b* blue hue low negative number

CIE L*a*b* colorimetry

ASTM B456

*Operating conditions include chemistry set up, current density, operating temperature and deposit thickness target range as some examples.

Consult with TRION Technical Team for specific recommendations. **Based on the latest global color system accepted by decorative OEMs. Note: operating conditions affect results while SAFE Chrome® deposits meet Automotive OEM color requirements with nickel underlayer system

CONTACT info@safechrome.com 1-800-572-2350 1400 E. Angela Boulevard, Unit 104 South Bend, IN 46617 SafeChrome.com